CHAIR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair according to each of the preambles of claims 1 and 2.

[0002] A chair generally comprises a base, a seat supported on it with a seat surface, and a backrest which is arranged at least approximately perpendicular to the seat surface in the area of ​​an edge of the seat surface and provides a contact surface for the back of a person sitting on the chair.

[0003] To allow comfortable upper body movement for a person sitting in a chair, various mechanisms are used for the backrest, enabling it to follow upper body movements within a predetermined range. Mechanisms that allow the backrest to move backward against a restoring force are widespread, especially in office chairs. Furthermore, a chair with a backrest that can twist elastically due to an elastic element, such as a rubber joint, has become known in practice.

[0004] When choosing a chair, a balance must always be struck between stability and support on the one hand, and comfort on the other. A chair whose backrest follows every movement of the person sitting on it, with or without resistance, is just as unsuitable for extended periods of sitting at work as a chair with a completely fixed backrest. Furthermore, chairs with complex mechanisms for backrest adjustment become very expensive, meaning many users cannot afford them.

[0005] From JPH119375A a health chair is known which is equipped with a back-and-forth movement mechanism on the back of the backrest part, so that the backrest part can rotate or move linearly to the left and right.

[0006] JP2006095144A discloses chairs used by people with disabilities and the elderly, in particular a massage chair with a backrest surface and backrest section, as well as a backrest support part that supports it and can rotate freely along an arc. A first control unit controls the rotation of the backrest section, a second control unit controls the rotation of the backrest support part, and a third control unit controls the tilting of the backrest support part in a forward-backward direction.

[0007] EP2698078A1 concerns an elastomer bearing for office seating furniture, in particular for the point attachment of a seating element to the office seating furniture.

[0008] The disclosure of US2796920A relates to a posture chair with a backrest detachably connected to a back support by means of a padding arrangement comprising a rounded shell, an O-ring and a conical bolt mounted in the shell.

[0009] US2547455A relates to a posture chair designed such that the seat frame is not only rotatable relative to the base, but can also be adjusted up and down and forward and backward relative to the backrest; the backrest, in turn, is selectively adjustable for a tilting motion that responds to different body pressures exerted on the backrest. The object of the invention is to create a chair with a backrest in which movement corresponding to the movements of a person sitting in the chair is easily achieved, in order to increase both comfort and support.

[0010] This objective is achieved with a chair according to both claim 1 and claim 2.

[0011] Such a chair, by its generic nature, comprises a base, a seat supported thereon with a seat surface, and a backrest which, in the region of an edge of the seat, is arranged at least approximately perpendicular to the seat surface and includes a contact surface for the back of a person sitting on the chair, wherein the backrest is designed to pivot laterally about a pivot axis which, for example, extends at least approximately perpendicular to the contact surface of the backrest. Preferably, further alternative or individually combinable embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] Inventive or further developed embodiments include: The pivot axis runs at an angle in the range of 60° to 120°, preferably 70° to 110°, and particularly preferably 80° to 100°, to the perpendicular to the floor on which the chair stands, instead of perpendicularly through the contact surface. According to the invention, the pivot axis is in the range of approximately 2 cm to approximately 15 cm, preferably approximately 5 cm to approximately 15 cm.7 cm above the seat surface, the pivot axis can be height-adjustable within a predetermined range relative to the seat and / or the backrest. According to the invention, return mechanisms are provided by which the backrest is forced into a central normal position. The return mechanisms have progressive force characteristics and can additionally have a predetermined or predefinable return force. Locking devices are provided that hold the backrest in a central normal position and only allow lateral pivoting of the backrest above a predetermined or predefinable adjustment force. In particular, adjustable pivot limits are provided for the lateral pivoting movement of the backrest. Armrests can be assigned to the backrest, which pivot laterally together with the backrest.

[0013] Preferred and / or advantageous embodiments of the invention and its individual aspects are evident from the entire application documents presented.

[0014] The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example embodiments with reference to the drawing, in which Fig. 1, a schematic side view, illustrates a first embodiment of a chair; Fig. 2, a schematic rear view, shows the chair according to the first embodiment from the Fig. 1 The backrest is shown in the central normal position, and in dashed lines in lateral swivel positions. Fig. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a chair in a schematic side view, and Fig. 4 shows the chair according to the second embodiment in a schematic rear view. Fig. 3The backrest is illustrated in the normal central position, and the lateral swivel positions are shown with dashed lines.

[0015] The invention is explained in more detail by way of example using the embodiments and applications described below and illustrated in the drawings; that is, it is not limited to these embodiments and applications. Method and device features can also be derived analogously from the device and method descriptions, respectively.

[0016] Individual features that are specified and / or illustrated in connection with a specific embodiment are not limited to that embodiment or the combination with the other features of that embodiment, but can be combined, within the limits of what is technically possible, with any other variants, even if they are not specifically addressed in the present documentation.

[0017] Identical reference numerals in the individual figures and illustrations of the drawing denote identical or similar components, or components with the same or similar effect. The representations in the drawing also clearly indicate features that are not marked with reference numerals, regardless of whether such features are described subsequently or not. Conversely, features included in this description but not visible or depicted in the drawing are readily understandable to a person skilled in the art.

[0018] In the Figs. 1 and 2 A first embodiment of a chair 1 is shown schematically in a side view and a rear view, respectively. The chair 1 of this first embodiment is an office swivel chair.

[0019] The chair 1 comprises a base 2 which, in the manner typical for office swivel chairs, has a swivel base 3 with five arms 4 extending from a common pivot axis 5 and each having a caster 7 at its free end 6 that can swivel 360°. A seat section 8 with a seat surface 9 is rotatably supported at its upper end on the pivot axis 5 of the base 2. The type of support (not shown) can have any known configuration and may include, in particular, adjustment and tilting mechanisms as well as locking and securing devices for the seat section 8. The specific type of support for the seat section 8 on the pivot axis 5 will not be discussed further here, as such supports, e.g., for tilting, spring-loaded oscillation, forward / backward adjustment, etc., are readily known to those skilled in the art, and they can select, implement, and use any suitable known support design as appropriate, without having to inventively engage in any such process.Therefore, the design of such supports will not be discussed further here.

[0020] In the present first embodiment, a backrest retaining device H is attached to the retaining axis 5 in the region of its upper end, where the seat part 8 is attached via the support (not shown), such that it rotates together with the seat part 8 on the retaining axis 5. In this first embodiment, the backrest retaining device H generally has an L-shape with two legs angled relative to each other, forming a base mounting leg 10 and a backrest mounting leg 11. The base mounting leg 10 of the backrest retaining device H is attached to the retaining axis 5 in the region of its upper end, where the seat part 8 is attached via the support (not shown), so that the backrest retaining device H rotates together with the seat part 8 and its support (not shown) on the retaining axis 5.Without restriction, the backrest holding device H could also be attached to the seat part 8 or its support (not shown).

[0021] The base mounting leg 10 of the backrest retaining device H has such a length that, when the chair 1 is standing on a flat floor, the backrest mounting leg 11, which is angled upwards and projects from it, extends beyond an edge 12 of the seat part 8 and over its seat surface 9.

[0022] A backrest 14 is attached to the backrest mounting leg 11 of the backrest support device H via a pivot axis 13. The backrest is positioned at least approximately perpendicular to the seat surface 9 in the area of ​​the edge 12 of the seat part 8 and includes a contact surface 15 for the back (not shown) of a person (not shown) sitting on the chair 1. The backrest 14 is designed, by virtue of its attachment to the backrest mounting leg 11 via the pivot axis 13, to pivot laterally about the pivot axis 13, which is at least approximately perpendicular to the contact surface 15 of the backrest 14.

[0023] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that neither the seat surface 9 nor the backrest support surface 15 need be flat, even, and without contours. These surfaces can already have shapes adapted to the buttocks and thighs or the back of a person using the chair 9, either through the design of the seat part 8 and the backrest 14, or preferably, if necessary, additionally through appropriate padding (not specified).

[0024] Insofar as the present documents refer to directions relative to one or both of these surfaces, it is readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that this direction refers to a surface which, at the point for which the directional relation is specified, is representative of the function of the respective surface. In particular, for the direction of the pivot axis 13 relative to the contact surface 15 of the backrest 14, this means that, in other words, it passes through the contact surface and at an angle of between 60° and 120° to the perpendicular to the floor on which the chair 1 stands when the backrest 14 is in a normal position in which it is neither pivoted laterally about the pivot axis 13 nor adjusted forwards or backwards by means of any backrest tilting or rocking mechanisms that may be present.

[0025] The present invention, i.e., the design of a chair with a pivot axis for the backrest, allowing the latter to pivot laterally, can be combined with all configurations for a pivoting or rocking movement of the backrest in forward and backward directions. For example, the backrest mounting leg 11 of the backrest support device H can be designed as a movable back support rod that enables forward and backward movement of the backrest, such as leaning back from a normal position to a defined opening angle. Corresponding devices and configurations, such as a synchronous mechanism, are readily known to those skilled in the art, and they can select, implement, and use any known suitable support design as appropriate, without having to inventively compose anything themselves.Therefore, the design of such forward and backward mechanisms for the backrest will not be discussed further here.

[0026] The support axis 5 is typically designed telescopically, allowing the seat section 8, in particular together with the backrest 13, to be height-adjustable. This height adjustability, as well as the suspension of the seat section 8 on or via the support axis, can be found in any suitable design in the prior art by a person skilled in the art, without requiring any inventive work. Therefore, the design of such height adjustment options for the seat section will not be discussed further here.

[0027] The essential feature of the chair 1 of the present invention is the pivotable arrangement of the backrest 14 on the pivot axis 13, which allows movement to the right and left when a person sitting on the chair 1 is leaning against the backrest. This ensures that the person sitting on the chair 1 is supported against the backrest 14 even during lateral movements, preventing the back from being unsupported, twisting, and bending backwards, and avoiding the edge of the backrest 14 being pressed into the back.

[0028] According to the invention, return mechanisms (not shown) are provided by which a counter-force or return force is applied to the laterally pivoted backrest 14 in the direction of a central, non-pivoted normal position of the backrest 14. Such return mechanisms can be integrated directly into the pivot axis 13 or provided as separate devices. Examples of return mechanisms include double-acting bending or torsion bars made of spring steel or single-acting compression springs, rubber blocks, and many similar devices. These return mechanisms have the advantage that they assist the person sitting on the chair 1 in straightening up from a laterally bent position to an upright position corresponding to the normal position of the backrest.

[0029] According to the invention, the return mechanisms have progressive force characteristics, thus enabling adaptation to specific application requirements and individual users. For this purpose, it is further advantageous to provide that the return mechanisms have a predetermined or predefinable return force, which can be achieved, for example, by adjusting the effective length of a spring steel bending rod. Another advantageous embodiment is that the return mechanisms are designed such that, when the backrest is pivoted but unloaded, a damped return of the backrest to its normal position occurs. The return mechanisms can also be used, for example, to control how far and how easily or strongly the backrest 14 can be rotated to the right or left about the pivot axis 13.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, locking devices (not shown) may also be provided which secure the backrest 14, particularly in the central normal position (in the Fig. 2 (shown with a continuous line) and allow lateral swiveling of the backrest 14 only above a predetermined or predefinable adjustment force. This prevents the backrest 14 from moving laterally even with slight lateral movements by a person sitting on the chair 1. Instead, increased stability and support for the back of the person sitting on the chair 1 is achieved during slight lateral movements. Locking devices may preferably have an individually adjustable release force and / or also provide or allow for swiveling positions of the backrest 14.

[0031] Another advantageous design feature is the inclusion of adjustable swivel limits (not shown) for the lateral swivel movement of the backrest 14. This prevents overloading of the swivel axis 13 and / or return mechanisms, as well as the risk of compromising the stability of the chair 1 due to excessive swiveling of the backrest 14 and, consequently, of a person sitting on the chair 1. Such swivel limits can be implemented, for example, using simple bushings or rubber stoppers.

[0032] Depending on the other configurations of the chair 1, the pivot axis 13 can also be anchored, for example, in the seat section 8. In any case, according to the invention, the pivot axis is arranged in the range of approximately 2 cm to approximately 15 cm, preferably approximately 5 cm to approximately 7 cm, above the seat surface. In connection with this, for the individual adaptation of the chair 1 to a specific user, it can be advantageously provided that the pivot axis 13 is height-adjustable within a predetermined range relative to the seat section 8 and / or the backrest 14. The adjustability of the vertical or height position of the pivot axis 13 and / or backrest 14 can be achieved, for example, by a snap mechanism, a lockable detent, a magnet, or a friction element for fixing the position of the pivot axis 13 and / or backrest 14 in one of several height positions.

[0033] Another advantageous embodiment consists in the fact that the backrest 14 is assigned armrests (not shown) which pivot laterally together with the backrest 14. This has the advantage that the desired / existing armrests do not obstruct the side of the person sitting on the chair 1 when moving sideways, for example, by pressing into the person's side, but rather "disengage." The connection of the armrests to the backrest 14 can also be deactivated, switched, or repositioned, in order to give the user the option of "lounging" in the chair by pivoting the backrest 14 laterally and using the stationary armrest as a support.

[0034] In the Figs. 3 and 4A second embodiment of chair 1 is shown schematically in a side view and a rear view, respectively. In contrast to a mobile, swiveling, and forward / backward pivoting office chair, chair 1 in this second embodiment is a rigid visitor, conference, or dining chair, etc., which may also be designed as a so-called "cantilever chair".

[0035] With regard to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, identical or similar parts, or parts that have the same or similar effects, are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0036] The following discussion focuses solely on the aspects in which the second embodiment differs from the first. In particular, all possible configurations, variations, modifications, substitutions, and combinations shown and explained in connection with the first embodiment are also possible for the corresponding parts and components of the second embodiment, and corresponding repetitive explanations have been omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0037] In the second embodiment of chair 1, the base 2 consists of four chair legs 16 with support rods 17 running between them at the top, to which the seat 8 with the seat surface 9 is attached in the usual manner. However, the base 2 can also be, for example, a tubular construction according to the principle of a "cantilever chair" or any other construction.

[0038] The backrest retaining device H is attached to the structure consisting of chair legs 16 and the support rods 17 running between them at the top, and / or to the seat part 8. As in the first embodiment, the backrest retaining device H is generally L-shaped with two legs angled towards each other, forming the base mounting leg 10 and the backrest mounting leg 11. The base mounting leg 10 of the backrest retaining device H is attached to the structure consisting of chair legs 16 and the support rods 17 running between them at the top, and / or to the seat part 8.

[0039] The base mounting leg 10 of the backrest retaining device H has such a length that, when the chair 1 is standing on a flat floor, the backrest mounting leg 11, which is angled upwards and projects from it, extends beyond an edge 12 of the seat part 8 and over its seat surface 9.

[0040] The backrest 14 is attached to the backrest mounting leg 11 of the backrest support device H via a pivot axis 13. The backrest is positioned at least approximately perpendicular to the seat surface 9 in the area of ​​the edge 12 of the seat part 8 and includes the contact surface 15 for the back (not shown) of a person (not shown) sitting on the chair 1. The backrest 14 is designed, by virtue of its attachment to the backrest mounting leg 11 via the pivot axis 13, to pivot laterally about the pivot axis 13, which runs at least approximately perpendicular to the contact surface 15 of the backrest 14.In other words, the pivot axis 13 is arranged relative to the contact surface 15 of the backrest 14 such that it passes through the contact surface and at an angle of 60° to 120° to the perpendicular to the floor on which the chair 1 stands when the backrest 14 is in a normal position in which it is neither pivoted laterally about the pivot axis 13 nor adjusted forwards or backwards by means of any backrest tilting or rocking devices that may be present.

[0041] In this second embodiment, as in the previous one, the backrest holding device H can be adjusted with reference to the Figs. 1 and 2 The first embodiment described above is itself elastic, for example made of sufficiently strong spring steel, in order to achieve a flexibility of the backrest 14 in the backward direction with respect to a person sitting on the chair 1.

[0042] The pivot axis 13 connects the base 2 including the seat part 8 and the backrest 14 in such a way that the backrest 14 can be pivoted laterally about the pivot axis 13 relative to the seat part 8.

[0043] The pivot axis 13 is arranged in such a way that it pivots the backrest 14 just above the seat height, i.e. the seat surface 9, relative to the base 2 and seat part 8, so that a defined lateral swinging of the backrest 14 around the pivot axis 13 is possible.

[0044] Insofar as the present documents refer to a pivot axis 13, this does not mean a mathematical axis, but rather a pivot joint, which can be implemented by a sliding bearing, ball bearing, or similar device. Other possible designs for the pivot joint include a piece of rubber or other elastic material, which is shaped and / or reinforced with inserts in such a way that a significant range of motion exists only in the aforementioned lateral directions for pivoting the backrest 14 according to the invention, or a spring steel element or similar, in which case the return mechanisms are functionally incorporated into the pivot axis 13.

[0045] The pivot axis 13 can also be designed or equipped with additional devices to allow for the adjustment of a counterforce against pivoting of the backrest 14, thus enabling adaptation to the individual needs of specific users. Such devices for adjusting a counterforce against pivoting of the backrest 14 could, for example, be rubber elements with friction adjustable by squeezing.

[0046] Depending on available space and design requirements, the pivot axis 13 can be located in front of, within, or behind the backrest 14. For example, the pivot axis 13 can also be concealed within or beneath a cushion (not specified) of the backrest 14. Another preferred embodiment is that the backrest 14 has a maximum width of approximately 25 cm to approximately 40 cm, preferably approximately 28 cm to approximately 35 cm, and particularly approximately 30 cm.

Claims

1. Chair (1) with a stand (2), a thereon supported seat part (8) having a seat surface (9), and a backrest (14) which is arranged at least approximately perpendicular to the seat surface (9) in the region of an edge of the seat (8) and includes a contact surface (15) for the back of a person sitting on the chair (1), wherein the backrest (14) being adapted to pivot sideways about a pivot axis (13) extending at least approximately perpendicular to the contact surface (15) of the backrest (14), so that a to and fro movement to the right and left is possible when a person sitting on the chair (1) is leaning with its back against the backrest (14), characterized in that the pivot axis (13) is arranged in the region from approximately 2 cm to approximately 15 cm above the seat surface (9), and in that return means are provided by which the backrest (14) is forced into a central normal position, wherein the return means have progressive force characteristics.

2. Chair (1) with a stand (2), a thereon supported seat part (8) having a seat surface (9), and a backrest (14) which is arranged at least approximately perpendicular to the seat surface (9) in the region of an edge of the seat (8) and includes a contact surface (15) for the back of a person sitting on the chair (1), wherein the backrest (14) being adapted to pivot sideways about a pivot axis (13) extending through the contact surface (15) and at an angle in the range of 60° to 120° to the perpendicular to the floor on which the chair (1) stands, so that a back-and-forth movement to the right and left is possible when a person sitting on the chair (1) is leaning with its back against the backrest (14), characterized in that the pivot axis (13) is arranged in the region from approximately 2 cm to approximately 15 cm above the seat surface (9), and in that return means are provided by which the backrest (14) is forced into a central normal position, wherein the return means have progressive force characteristics.

3. Chair (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pivot axis (13) extends at an angle in the range of 70° to 110° to the perpendicular to the floor on which the chair (1) stands.

4. Chair (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the pivot axis (13) extends at an angle in the range of 80° to 100° to the perpendicular to the floor on which the chair (1) stands.

5. Chair (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot axis (13) is arranged in the region from approximately 5 cm to approximately 7 cm above the seat surface (9).

6. Chair (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot axis (13) is height-adjustable within a specified range relative to the seat part (8) and / or the backrest (14).

7. Chair (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return means have a predeterminable return force.

8. Chair (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that locking means are provided which hold the backrest (14) in a central normal position and only allow lateral pivoting of the backrest (14) from a predetermined or predeterminable adjusting force.

9. Chair (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that that pivot limits are provided for the lateral pivot movement of the backrest (14).

10. Chair (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that that the pivot limits for the lateral pivot movement of the backrest (14) are adjustable.